Artwork by Caroline Ellingboe

Story from Heather Kolar

When tragedy strikes, you have two choices: let it consume you, devastate you and fill you with sadness that may take over your life, or you can be strong, stand your ground, and move on. Selflessness is a rarity, not only in this day in age but throughout history. Rita was a woman who demonstrated such strength through hardship, such selflessness through the losses she experienced in her life. Documenting fire burning and transforming it into a flame bursting with color helped me gain better insight on Rita’s experiences dealing with hardships and selflessness in overcoming tragedy.